Iza posljednjih napora da se produži ljudski život krije se ironija: nije lako biti starija osoba u društvu okrenutom omladini. Stariji ljudi mogu postati izolirani, bez značajnog posla i sa vrlo malo novčanih sredstava. U ovom intrigantnom govoru, Jared Diamond objašnjava kako mnogo različitih društava tretira njihove starije članove -- neki bolje, neki gore -- i predlaže nam da se svi okoristimo njihovim iskustvom.

Kako društva mogu bolje stariti

The way societies treat older people ranges from abandonment in harsh environments to deep reverence in family-centered cultures. In the United States, many elderly live apart from their children and feel isolated, while traditional societies often keep elders at the heart of community life. Older people in traditional groups remain valued for their knowledge, caregiving, and leadership, especially in times of crisis. As lifespans lengthen, modern society risks wasting the talents and experience of its aging population.